Outbreak of Unidentified, Ebola-Like Disease in Uganda

December 3rd, 2010

Via: ReliefWeb:

An unidentified deadly disease broke out in Abim village located in the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda in late October 2010. Several cases of the disease were reported and several deaths have resulted. The disease then spread from Karamoja to neighbouring districts. On December 1, some cases were also reported in Gulu. The signs and symptoms of the disease indicate that it is most likely not dysentery, as it is sometimes thought to be in the absence of a clear diagnosis. Symptoms point to Ebola but authorities have been unable to confirm that disease. The most common symptoms are headache, fever and vomiting large quantities of blood. Tests have been done in Entebbe (Uganda) and in Atlanta (USA).

Unequipped medical staff are fearful of being infected, leaving their duty stations because they lack personal protective gear. Some refuse to take care of patients. Kitgum district also lacks transport, including ambulances to transport patients. Pader district had one ambulance which no longer functions. People refuse to transport patients for fear of being infected. In villages, residents do not know what to do or how to protect themselves. Some have tried to move out of affected areas, potentially spreading the diseases to new areas. The spread is fairly slow but follows common “travel routes” throughout the region.

The number of affected people is unknown. About 60 cases are known, with at least 20 deaths reported. However, there could be many more cases and deaths that are unreported, and many more carriers. The first six fatalities in Kitgum were one woman, three men, and two male youths. None had any serious previous medical history. One had malaria at the time of death. Death usually occurred within three days of the first symptom.

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